Guide Note

Ari Fleischer is the former press secretary for President George W. Bush. He served in that capacity from January 2001 to July 2003.

Fast Facts

1. Born: October 13, 1960
2. Birthplace: Pound Ridge, New York
3. Resides in Washington, DC
4. Graduated from Middlebury College in 1982
5. Took office as White House press secretary on January 20, 2001
6. Resigned on July 15, 2003
7. Political Affiliation: Republican Party
8. Religious Affiliation: Judaism

Fleischer worked as a Congressional staffer from 1982 to 1999, with only a brief interlude from 1985 to 1988, when he was the field director for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

He worked with Elizabeth Dole in 2000 during her campaign for the presidential nomination. However, once she dropped out of the race, he switched over to the Bush campaign. Once elected, President Bush selected Fleischer to be his press secretary.

Fleischer's resignation came after fighting for support of the Iraq war as well as involvement in the Valerie Plame investigation.

He indicated that he was leaving under good terms and that it was simply time to move on. He had recently become married and was looking to spend more time with his family.